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Progesterone topical Consumer Information

PROGESTERONE TOPICAL

Generic Name: progesterone topical (proe JESS te rone)

Brand Names: Crinone

What is the most important information I should know about progesterone topical?

  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Progesterone topical may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What is progesterone topical?

  • Progesterone is a female hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. Progesterone is also important for the proper implantation of an embryo in the endometrium and for maintenance of the pregnancy.
  • Progesterone topical is used for progesterone supplementation or replacement as part of an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) for infertile women with progesterone deficiency. Progesterone topical is also used to treat the absence of menstruation due to progesterone deficiency.
  • Progesterone topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use progesterone topical?

  • Do not use progesterone topical without first talking to your doctor if you have
    • a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder,
    • breast cancer,
    • cancer of a genital organ,
    • liver disease, or
    • undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
  • Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have
    • epilepsy or a seizure disorder,
    • migraines,
    • asthma,
    • kidney disease,
    • heart disease,
    • diabetes, or
    • a history of depression.
  • You may not be able to use progesterone topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
  • Progesterone topical has been used to support embryo implantation and maintain pregnancies through its use as part of ART treatment regimens. Discuss the use of progesterone during pregnancy with your doctor.
  • Progesterone passes into breast milk. It is not known whether progesterone will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use progesterone topical?

  • Use progesterone topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • Progesterone topical should be applied directly into the vagina from the specially designed applicator.
  • Remove the applicator from the sealed wrapper. Do not remove the twist-off tab at this time.
  • Hold the applicator by the thick end. Shake the applicator downward several times like a thermometer to ensure that the gel is at the thin end of the applicator. Hold the applicator by the flat section of the thick end. Twist off and discard the tab at the other end. Do not squeeze the thick end while twisting off the tab. Gently insert the thin end of the applicator into the vagina while sitting or lying on your back with your knees bent. Squeeze the think end of the applicator to deposit the gel. Remove the applicator and discard it into the waste container. A small amount of gel will be left in the tube after you apply the dose. Do not be concerned, you will still be receiving the appropriate dosage.
  • Vaginal discharge including small white globules may be appear for up to several days following a dose of progesterone topical. This is not unusual. If you are concerned, discuss this with your doctor.
  • Store progesterone topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and use only your next dose as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Seek emergency medical attention.
  • Symptoms of a progesterone topical overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using progesterone topical?

  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Progesterone topical may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of progesterone topical?

  • Stop using progesterone topical and seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • shortness of breath or pain in your chest;
    • a sudden severe headache;
    • visual changes;
    • a painful, red, swollen leg;
    • numbness or tingling in an arm or leg;
    • prolonged, heavy, vaginal bleeding;
    • stomach or side pain; or
    • yellowing of your skin or eyes.
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use progesterone topical and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • dizziness;
    • drowsiness;
    • headache;
    • breast pain or tenderness;
    • abdominal pain or distention;
    • joint pain;
    • perineal pain;
    • nausea, diarrhea, or constipation;
    • vaginal discharge; or
    • mood changes, anxiety, irritability, or depression.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect progesterone topical?

  • Do not use progesterone topical at the same time as other vaginal products. If you are using another vaginal product, use it at least six hours before or after a dose of progesterone topical unless specifically directed to do otherwise by your doctor.
  • Progesterone topical has not been reported to interact significantly with any other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines during treatment with progesterone topical.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about progesterone topical written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations of This Canadian Pharmacy Information

Efforts have been made to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. This is an educational resource only intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. This site does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 1.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.